Thread: Not so newbie with newbie quetion.

I have been shaving with a straight razor every day for about three and a half years. I touch up and hone my own razors regularly so they are always in good shape. My problem is the same problem a lot of people seem to have. That is, the whiskers to the sides of my Adam's apple grow outward and I can never seem to get a close shave on that part of my face. It is better with a DE but I prefer my straights overall. Am I missing some secret stroke that will solve my problems? Thanks in advance.

David

I have similar issues in that area. I find a nicely done natural edge allows me to apply slight pressure without irritation. If I did it with a synthetic it wouldnt be pretty. My atg is pass is right ear to left ear straight across. Wickedly sharp and harsh edges(lapping film IMO) dont let me near it without paying a price in irritation.

Originally Posted by dcaven

I have been shaving with a straight razor every day for about three and a half years. I touch up and hone my own razors regularly so they are always in good shape. My problem is the same problem a lot of people seem to have. That is, the whiskers to the sides of my Adam's apple grow outward and I can never seem to get a close shave on that part of my face. It is better with a DE but I prefer my straights overall. Am I missing some secret stroke that will solve my problems? Thanks in advance.

David

That's the area I struggled with for a long time, still have to pay particular attention to that area.

For me, to get that area right, it's an ATG scything stroke, starting towards the middle collar line and at a 45 degree angle towards under the chin area. Stretching as always, using two fingers to hold the skin taught, and short buffing strokes.

But that area you mention, I have to go over twice to pick up any stragglers if I'm going for a BBS/DFS in that area, otherwise, it seems it bugs me when later on, I feel any left over beard...this happens with me regardless of what type of blade I'm using...they're simply tough to get...

I have the same issue, but not in the area you mention, more the hollows of my neck. Attention to skin stretching helps, as does multiple passes in different directions, but I want to try a pronounced smiling razor, as comments on the site seem to be favourable regarding a blade's smile and the hollows of one's neck.

Do you try attacking it from all angles?

I have a dimple in the chin (bum-chin), and for that I need to use the toe of the razor very gently and carefully, but am able to get BBS with delicate and careful passes.

Will be keen to see what other members say and also your experience when trying everyone's suggestions/hints.

I've developed a couple different strokes for that area...

For the first stroke I hold the razor in my right hand with a normal grip, thumb on the bottom two fingers on top, with the scales between the middle and ring finger. I shave the right side of the neck with the right hand, holding the razor so the scales are pointed almost straight up. Then I do a scything stroke so the tang is mostly stationary but the toe of the razor has a downward motion. By the time the toe gets to the bottom of my neck it's moving almost horizontally. At the same time my left palm is up by my chin with my fingers pulling up on the skin below the chin. It's completely reversed for the left side of the neck. It's kind of hard to describe but I hope that gives you a decent picture.

For the second stroke I hold the razor in my left hand with a normal grip, stretch the skin with my right hand pulling up on the skin along my jaw line, and do almost a NE to SW stroke down across the area next to the adam's apple. It's a little awkward as the left arm goes across the body but it seems to work for me.

Hopefully that helps.

It is a tough area for most ,and I'm no expert , but my smiling blade really does the job better in that spot, now I will admit most of my shaves are 2 pass everywhere but the neck , then only one pass WTG. I go for comfortable shaves more than BBS everywhere, my cheeks and chin are smooth and that's where the wifey touches it the most ,, but on the 3 pas everywhere BBS. It's smiling blade day. Tc

My solution to the Adams apple problem was to bolt a pair of boots to the wall so I am horizontal. Then I can easily adjust the direction and type of stroke to get at the little hairs left around my Adams apple.


Actually I very, very carefully use the point of the razor (works best with a square point) and pick them off, seemingly one by one.

That same area has never been able to be baby soft smooth for me. Cart, DE, or Straight razor. Some things are not meant to be.

It is my tough area also. A shorty razor and or one with a smile is my answer

Following the comments/suggestions of others:

Smiling Blade - the SRP Robert Williams for instance is a great performer for many.

Buffing - very short strokes

Directional stretching - between your thumb and forefinger - not only does the skin need to be tight, you need to think about pulling the hairs up to attention - small areas at a time but I suspect that like many you are dealing with area the size of you thumb pad to the size of a matchbook.

Don't wait until the 3rd (or 4th) pass to focus on these areas - your first pass can be your best pass...

And it will come in small victories - but they will come.
Some times changing razors will cause you to have a "disruptive advance"
Not a big fan of the Kamisori but I did learn a lot of systems/moves that helped me when I was trying to learn the "flat side only against the face" method.

Smooth Shaving...